On November 14, 2007 our healthy and athletic son was diagnosed with advanced stage IV Burkit’s Lymphoma and Leukemia. This blog is a journal of his courageous journey as he battled this aggressive cancer. With the grace of God and the help of an incredible community, Tyler went into remission in August, 2009. He is now a strong and healthy student at The Ohio State University.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

The Dublin Hockey Association

Tyler was removed from isolation today!

The first thing Tyler did was run through the hospital, then he ran outside and played a pick game of hockey, then rode his bike down the street to Planks Pizza.

Well, not exactly. Actually he stood up, got dizzy, got sick, and laid back down. But that took a lot. That was quite an achievement. He is now allowed out of the room, and even off of J-5 if he keeps his mask on. He may try to venture around J-5 tomorrow. Tyler will need a wheel chair because the neuropathy caused the skin to peel off the bottom of his feet, leaving them both raw. Folks from the burn unit are looking to see what they can do to help. Also the blood pressure issues are keeping him both dizzy and nauseous. But after a week confinement in that room, anything that gets Tyler out the door is acceptable.

Tyler is asleep now, but when we wakes up we have some great surprises for him.

Check this out - Hockey for Hope:

Kathy took the night shift so Erik, Travis, and I could go to the Dublin Hockey games the past two nights. Words can not describe the event. It is truly amazing all that the teams did for Tyler. They raffled autographed jerseys donated by the Blue Jackets, and an autographed football donated by Jim Tressel. There were "Fight to Win" wrist bands, Toss for Tyler pucks, and more. Erik and Travis both dropped the pucks to start each game.

All three Dublin high school teams played. The last game player was Dublin Jerome, Tyler's high school. They played #1 ranked St. Charles. Before the game the team presented us with a team jersey for Tyler, making him an honorary team member. His jersey number is 08, for the year Tyler defeats cancer. Jerome then went on to defeat St. Charles, making Dublin Jerome the #1 ranked team. Then team member Adam DePerro, Tyler's good friend and neighbor, presented us with the winning puck to deliver to Tyler.

FIGHT TO WIN!

After the game Stan Nagel, Dublin Hockey Association president, was joined by every one of the Dublin varsity and JV team captains and co-captains, to present us with an extremely generous gift for The Tyler Alfriend Fund. We can not say enough about all that Tyler's class mates, and the entire Dublin Hockey Association, has done to lift Tyler's spirits. The Hockey Association, the Jerome basketball team, and many others in this community have been so wonderful as we have all been fighting this battle.

Tyler that is so cool! You have made such an impact on everyone around you. I am so thankful that God has surrounded you with such warm and caring people to help you with your fight. I hope you never doubt how much you mean to everyone. You are truely inspirational and we are so proud of your spirit!